Adelanto neighborhood celebrates unity on Independence Day

Friday

Jul 4, 2014 at 12:01 AMJul 4, 2014 at 10:10 PM

Jose Quintero Staff Writer @dd_jquintero

ADELANTO — A cul-de-sac in Adelanto took advantage of legal fireworks as a way to promote neighborhood unity. Daniel Penafiel and his wife purchased their home on Ventana Court in September and have one thing on their mind — living in a community where people watch out for each other. Penafiel and his neighbors decided to throw a block party on the country’s 238th birthday. The cul-de-sac on Ventana Court was full of fireworks, barbecue, a Slip ‘N Slide, water balloons, patriotic wreaths, Popsicles and other sweet goodies.The wind gusts, 100 degree temperatures and distant storm clouds on Friday didn’t stop the families from having a blast on the Fourth of July. “My wife and I organize parties on the side,” Penafiel said. “So we asked around our small little community and everyone was excited about getting together. Even the families that are going to be out of town contributed and pitched in some money. These are brand new homes, a lot of us are new up here or first-time buyers and we just want to look out for each other and be able to have a good time together.”One of the hosts, Kim Smith, leads the largest Neighborhood Watch program in Adelanto. Penafiel said the great thing about living on Ventana Court is the Neighborhood Watch program and knowing “one will look out for another.”Penafiel said there are times when interacting with neighbors can be difficult, but that shouldn’t stop a community from being united. “I think it would be great if other communities in the area started doing a block party like this,” Penafiel said. “We’ve been planning for this day for quite some time, everything was well organized. We’re limiting this to the 10 families participating and their family. We’re expecting 150 to 200 people and we’re going to be giving out wristbands so we know who our invited guest are.”